‘I Want To See The Plan’: Anthony Davis Unsure About Washington Wizards After Dallas Mavericks Trade
The Dallas Mavericks traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards at the 2026 NBA trade deadline, marking the second consecutive year that Patrick Dumont and Co. made a stunning deal.
Dallas, of course, traded Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers last season for Davis and Max Christie.
Hall of Fame NBA reporter David Aldridge of The Athletic spoke to Davis on the phone about the blockbuster Mavericks-Wizards trade. Reports of Davis’ unhappiness with being traded to Washington are overblown, according to Davis himself, who met with key members of the organization.
The Wizards’ brass is governor Ted Leonsis, president of media and new enterprises Zach Leonsis, president of Monumental Basketball Michael Winger, general manager Will Dawkins and senior vice president of Monumental Basketball John Thompson III.
“They said I said a lot of stuff in the other city, too, that I didn’t say,” Anthony Davis said. “The visit’s been great. They definitely welcomed me with open arms, spent some time with Ted and Zach. It’s totally different from what they make it seem. I know it’s like, oh, they have the stigma of they’re not a good team. I haven’t seen the practice facility yet, but the arena is top-notch, world-class for sure. Seen the chefs and how they take care of the families. It’s been great.
“I need to talk with Will, Ted, Zach, and kind of figure out what the actual plan is, and then just kind of go from there. I talked briefly (Friday) with Will. Obviously, at this time, every year, you want to compete for championships and stuff like that. That’s obviously the main focus, getting to that place. Conversations are going to be held to see about getting to that space. I’ve been everywhere the last two years. I want to see the plan, hear the plan, see the vision. Bringing Trae (Young) here and other things in store, what they’re thinking of doing, I want to have those conversations with them and see what happens. The city is obviously phenomenal.”
Davis is making $54.1 million this season. He’s eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension in August. The future Hall of Famer is averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.7 blocks per game. He’s appeared in just 20 games.
A top-75 player of all time, Davis is currently out with ligament damage in his left hand. It’s unknown when he’ll make his Wizards debut.
Washington is in 13th place in the East. As of this writing, the team has only 14 wins.
“It’s hard to say (I would definitely stay in D.C.) without the proper plan,” Anthony Davis said. “Obviously, it’s tough right now with the team. It shows with their record, but adding certain pieces, that can change. It’s year by year. They could be the No. 1 team in the East next year.
“At this point in my career, I want to compete for a championship. Whether that’s here or elsewhere, I have no idea. It’s been phenomenal, everything they’re saying. Everything they’re showing me is nothing short of phenomenal. Now it’s about having an actual conversation about the team.”
Davis turns 33 in March. He played in only 29 games with the Mavericks, averaging 20.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.8 blocks per game.
A top-75 player of all time, Davis has played for the New Orleans Pelicans, Lakers and Mavericks. He’s a 10-time All-Star and one-time NBA champion.
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